What emission standard does a 2013 car belong to?
3 Answers
2013 cars belong to both China IV and China V emission standards. China fully implemented the China IV standard in 2010, so cars produced in 2013 generally meet the China IV standard. However, as Beijing was the first region to implement stricter emission standards, it had already fully adopted the China V standard by 2013. Therefore, some cars produced in 2013 also meet the China V standard. The China V emission standard, officially known as the National Fifth Stage Emission Standard for Motor Vehicles, is equivalent to Europe's Euro 5 emission standard currently in implementation. Compared to China IV, the China V standard reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 25% for light-duty vehicles and 43% for heavy-duty vehicles.
I remember back in 2013 when I bought my new car, most vehicles were compliant with China National IV emission standards. At that time, China was pushing for higher standards - National III was the norm in previous years, while National IV gradually rolled out starting from 2011. By 2013, nearly all new cars were designed to meet this standard. My car's compliance certificate clearly stated 'China IV', and it emitted significantly less exhaust with reduced noise. When I later traded it in, used car dealers preferred such vehicles because they caused less pollution and faced fewer urban driving restrictions. Don't worry about getting it wrong - the simplest way is to check the vehicle identification plate or registration certificate. You can also verify by entering the VIN code. For cars manufactured in 2013, if they're marked with GB18352.3-2005, they're definitely National IV compliant. Even after all these years, National IV vehicles are still usable in the used car market, though some major cities restrict them from entering core urban areas - always check local policies first. When buying cars, stay sharp and don't get tricked into purchasing outdated standard vehicles.
As someone who's been driving for over a decade, cars from 2013 generally fall under the China IV emission standard. Checking the emission standard is actually quite simple – just look at your vehicle's environmental label or certification, where it clearly states 'China IV'. Most newly manufactured cars in 2013 fall into this category, as the period from 2011 to 2017 was the golden era for China's implementation of the China IV standard. If you're still unsure, take it to a repair shop where they can measure the exhaust emissions with specialized equipment to display specific indicators. The China IV standard is much more environmentally friendly than the earlier China III and China II standards, emitting fewer particulate matter, which is better for urban air quality. However, when transferring ownership of a used car now, be aware that China IV vehicles might face more stringent annual inspections in some areas. Regular maintenance is also crucial, such as changing air filters periodically, to extend the compliance period with the standards. In short, from an experienced driver's perspective, checking the official documents is the most reliable method.